I have the original Cricut. I'm not a super craft making person but do enjoy using it. I used to scrapbook more but do more cards now. I am trying to decide if I should get the mini or the Expression. Is there anyone out there that has both and could tell me the main differences for you?

I have the original Cricut. I'm not a super craft making person but do enjoy using it. I used to scrapbook more but do more cards now. I am trying to decide if I should get the mini or the Expression. Is there anyone out there that has both and could tell me the main differences for you?

Thanks

The Expression is a stand alone machine. The mini needs to be connected to Craft Room or a Gypsy. I love both machines...but unless you want to be connected to Craft Room then I'd consider an Expression. The mini is also considerably smaller than the Expression.

I have both machines. I have found that the Mini cuts soooooooo much better than the Expression. In all fairness though the Expression does a decent job when it's inclined to do a decent job.

However, the Expression can be used as a stand alone machine. That to me would be the deal breaker. When the Gypsy dies, and the internet is down, you can still use your Expression. Now, if PC would come up with a design program that was not internet dependent - then the Mini would be my choice. But as for now, I'd say go with the Expression.

Go with the Expression! I already have the original cricut and bought the mini so one could be left in my classroom. I am using the mini for the first time tonight and have had nothing but problems! First it wouldn't go through the cutting process. Every time it cut I got a message stating that one or more objects didn't cut, because it was in the no cut zone. (Which non of my objects were.) The stupid machine would not even make one mark on the paper. I finally changed the blade, and it worked. What company puts a blade that only cuts once in a brand new machine? Then, I left the machine to take a phone call. When I came back, the machine would not recognize the cartridge I was using. I turned the machine on and off, took out the cartridge, restarted my computer and nothing has worked! What a piece of crap! I will not recommend the mini to my worst enemy. Needless to say, the original is coming home, and I will try the mini on a mac in my classroom. Shame on PC for selling such a horrible product!

I do not own a mini but had thought about getting one. So I can't say anything about how it works compared to the expressions, but I have looked for the 8" mats for the mini and they don't seem to be very easy to find. So if I buy a back up machine..it will be another expressions.

Every one has their favourite! I have both machines... I also work mainly with cards... and I use the mini and CCR almost exclusively. Cuts great, and I love seeing what I'm cutting on my computer screen. I use the expression only when I need a bit larger cuts.

I have the mini. I got rid of my Expression, but do have the little bug, never used. I can't use CCR, but do have a gypsy. The mini cuts are fantastic. A warning though, if you get the mini, you do need to connect to CCR and cut out the thank you card to get your machine formatted correctly. That will be in the instructions when you open the box.

I would choose the mini over the expression, but I do not scrapbook so my pages are never greater then 8 1/2 by 11 (or 12 depending on the paper you purchase).

If you cannot use the internet or have a gypsy, don't get the mini. You won't be able to use it as others have pointed out, it is not a stand alone machine.

Years ago, I had the original Cricut but sold it when I didn't have the time to use it. I bought the mini today after doing alot of research.

Thank Goodness I didn't have any of the machine problems already described. It worked perfectly right from the box after setting it up with my computer as per the directions in basically less than ten minutes.

So far, no problems and the cuts are beautiful, even on delicate script letters and more complicated cut-outs.

I had the Mini now almost a year and have to say, only used it once successfully. The few times that I tried it, I could not get it to cut the intricut cuts very well. They always seem to come very jagged. I have tried several different settings and even changed the blade, but to no avail. I don't have much patience to work with it the way that one probably should. I'm ready to off-load the machine as it is just taking up space at this point.

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